distressed 1 of 2

Definition of distressednext

distressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distress

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distressed
Adjective
In new photos posted on Saturday, the Euphoria actress freed the nipple while pairing a lace blush pink crop top with distressed denim and peekaboo underwear. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026 Mamdani has proposed using such fines as a vehicle to bring distressed rental properties under city stewardship, by aggressively pursuing liens on delinquent landlords and buying up their portfolios through foreclosure auctions. ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Ukrainian drone operators were reportedly distressed at having to kill horses, but have apparently adopted new tactics. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026 For some with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), they may be distressed by the prospect of germs or how foods are prepared. Dr. Ellen S. Rome, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distressed
Adjective
  • One of Altman’s batch mates in the first Y Combinator cohort was Aaron Swartz, a brilliant but troubled coder who died by suicide in 2013 and is now remembered in many tech circles as something of a sage.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • In March, the Dallas City Council did not make a final decision on what to do about the troubled City Hall building.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Single bunnies can be lonely and depressed.
    City News Service, Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • There was also research, which Meta eventually halted, implying that people who curbed their use of Facebook became less depressed and anxious.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The conflict has alarmed the international community, particularly as the area is one where other militant organizations, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, still have a presence in the region.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • In a message from True Religion to Saba following the incident, the brand said the report was filed due to Saba’s unauthorized entry to the offices by impersonating as a delivery person and his initial refusal to leave, which alarmed the brand’s staff.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Dickinson appeared somewhere between perturbed and seething.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, upright Acrocarpous-type mosses are more likely to be disturbed by foot traffic, but their growth habit gives them plenty of visual appeal.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The deputy checked the vehicle but found nothing had been disturbed or stolen.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump has been in an increasingly agitated state, lobbing barbs at the alliance for refusing to help clear the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf chokepoint where around 20% of the world’s oil flowed until Iran effectively shuttered it.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Equally agitated are Jedi Padawan Devon Izara (Gideon Adlon) and her Master, Eeko-Dio-Daki (Dennis Haysbert).
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Buxton scored the first run on a wild pitch and scored another later when Austin Martin was picked off and got caught in a rundown, breaking from third while Detroit defenders were distracted.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The implication is that she got distracted and failed to notice the most important things.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Like many rural counties across the country, Mono County faces rising gas prices from a higher cost to transport fuel there, limited demand and reduced competition.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Because of the project scale, there may be times when the lounge operates at reduced capacity, but the core services will remain open.
    Ella Gonzales April 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distressed. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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